Italianate Architecture

The Italianate house style was a popular style during the Victorian era (1840-1890). Because it could be constructed of many different materials, it was possible to build in different price ranges. New ”modern” technologies made it more affordable to create the decorative architectural details of the style. Italianate architecture was brought to America by English Architect Alexander Davis in the 1840’s and was popular through the 1870’s. There are few Italianate style homes in the Deep South because the style peaked during the Civil War which was a time of economic hardship in the South.--Amy Lytle

Features of the Italianate Style:

Low-pitched roofs

Wide eaves

Massive brackets

Symmetrical

Rectangular

Tall with 2,3, or 4 stories

Square cupolas

Porches with balustraded columns

Tall, narrow double-paned windows with hood moldings often in groups of 2 or 3.

Heavily molded double doors

Roman arches above windows and doors

Bay windows

Tall chimneys

Build of brick, stone, or stucco

Italianate Architecture Bibliography

Baker, John Milnes. American House Styles: A Concise Guide. New York: W.W. Norton, 1994. Print.